About Exploratory Laparotomy
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive diagnosis for complex abdominal conditions when other tests fail.Allows for immediate therapeutic intervention during the same procedure.Enables direct visualization and manual examination of all abdominal organs.Can be a life-saving procedure in cases of trauma, internal bleeding, or acute abdominal emergencies.Performed by specialized surgical gastroenterologists with expertise in abdominal anatomy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained, severe abdominal pain with signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
- Diagnosis of abdominal trauma (e.g., from an accident) with suspected internal injury or bleeding.
- Suspected intra-abdominal cancer or tumor where a biopsy or removal is needed.
- Acute abdominal emergencies like a perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction, or ruptured appendix.
- Unexplained internal bleeding within the abdominal cavity.
- Evaluation of inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis when complications are suspected.
- To stage abdominal cancers and determine the extent of disease spread.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- Pre-operative blood tests, imaging (CT scan, ultrasound), and possibly an ECG.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery (nothing to eat or drink).
- Discussion and signing of informed consent forms after understanding the risks and benefits.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications like blood thinners as advised.
- Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) may be required in some cases.
- Arranging for post-operative support and hospital stay.
Risks & possible complications
- General anesthesia risks, including allergic reactions or breathing problems.
- Infection at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
- Bleeding during or after the procedure, which may require a blood transfusion.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) that can cause future bowel obstruction.
- Damage to nearby organs like the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels.
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can travel to the lungs.
- Incisional hernia at the site of the surgical wound.
- Post-operative pain and discomfort requiring medication.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a hospital room with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
- Gradual introduction of liquids and then solid foods as bowel function returns.
- Incision care instructions to keep the wound clean and dry, watching for signs of infection.
- Pain will be managed with medications; deep breathing exercises are encouraged to prevent lung complications.
- Limited physical activity initially; no heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment with the surgeon to remove stitches/staples and assess healing.
- A gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, guided by the surgeon's advice.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering exploratory laparotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for exploratory laparotomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform exploratory laparotomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for exploratory laparotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Exploratory Laparotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy.
Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been active and healthy. For six months, he experienced worsening, cramping abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and intermittent fevers. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics for suspected infections and inconclusive CT scans, his symptoms persisted, leaving him exhausted and anxious. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended an exploratory laparotomy as a definitive diagnostic step, concerned about a possible inflammatory bowel condition like Crohn's disease hiding in the small intestine. The morning of the surgery was filled with fear of the unknown. Post-procedure, Reyansh awoke to learn they had found and resected a strictured segment of his ileum, confirming Crohn's. The recovery in the hospital was painful, but the clarity was a relief. Over the following weeks, with a confirmed diagnosis, he started targeted biologic therapy. Emotionally, he transitioned from the frustration of being a medical mystery to feeling empowered with a treatment plan, though he grappled with accepting a chronic condition.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Exploratory Laparotomy
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform exploratory laparotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist